Nobody better understands the sacrifices of having a family member deployed than those who are serving or have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves. To honor our deployed men and women, our country observes National Day of the Deployed each October 26th. This year it falls on the fourth Thursday in October.

National Day of the Deployed honors the bravery of the men and women who deploy to protect our country’s freedoms. It also salutes the military families who are separated from their loved ones during deployment and the sacrifices these families make. As we all know, this is one of the most difficult times for a military family.